About 30 Fort Carson Soldiers were among 200 service members recognized for their service to the nation prior to the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots football game Nov. 12, 2017, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

The Fort Carson contingent of Garrison Commander Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. David Burton and Soldiers from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, joined members of the other military branches serving in Colorado for pregame festivities during the annual Denver Broncos Salute to Service game.

Prior to marching onto the field, the Soldiers were treated to a meal in a stadium suite where they mingled with past Broncos greats such as Karl Mecklenburg, whose name is in the Broncos Ring of Fame, and Steve Foley who holds the team record for interceptions.

The game was secondary on the minds of the service members who said they realized the honor of representing their service.

Sgt. Kristi McMillion said the chance to be honored by the Broncos gave her a sense of pride knowing the civilian community cared enough to reach out and recognize service members.

“I’m a football fan, and until today I have not participated in one of these Salute to Service events. I expect each of us to feel very proud and honored to be here because we are all doing something important for our country by serving our nation,” she said.

Pfc. Trae Bernard said he was honored to take part in the event that was even more special for him because he is a New England Patriots fan.

NBC’s Mike Tirico greets Soldiers with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, on the field at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Nov. 12, 2017, prior to the Denver Broncos Salute to Service game against the New England Patriots. (Photo by Walt Johnson)

“I grew up in Louisiana and have been a Patriot fan since the days when Kevin Faulk, who went to LSU, played for them,” he said. “I went to a few of his camps when he was playing, and I became a Patriot fan. When he retired, I still like Tom Brady so I still root for the Patriots.”

Spc. Joseph Rossick said he couldn’t pass up a second chance to represent the Army and the post.

“I remember what it felt like in 2015 when I was still young in the Army, and I felt like it was overwhelming support for the military,” he said. “I remember how it felt knowing the Broncos, their fans and (the event sponsor, United States Automobile Association) supported us like this, and it was a great feeling. It’s a little different than it was in 2015, but walking out on the field I know I will have the same feeling I had then knowing that thousands of people are cheering for you and what you do for the country.”

Denver Broncos President Joe Ellis offered his heartfelt thanks to the military community during the meal prior to the game, noting that it is one of the days the Broncos organization looks forward to each year. “Each branch of the military is represented here today, and the Broncos are very thankful to host you for one of the most fun weekends of the year for us. We honor you and we thank you for your service to your country. The Denver Broncos and our owner, Pat Bowlen, are extremely grateful to you for your service,” he said.

Kent Fortune, vice president of the USAA Colorado Springs Campus, also thanked the military members for their service.

“We are so honored to recognize our military members,” he said. “There is no association I have worked with that is more passionate about the military than the Denver Broncos. Only 1 percent of Americans serve our nation, and sometimes we forget that we are at war. This is an opportunity to recognize our military and, for the next five hours or so, give you a chance to relax and enjoy an NFL game. It’s a small way for us to thank you for all that you and your Families sacrifice for us each day.”